E-MAIL: MohawkDistrict@unyumc.org

WEB SITE: http://www.mohawkdistrictumc.org/

This is the weekly e-news of the Mohawk District.

You are able to include news emailed to the District Office by Tuesday.

This information can be shared with congregations verbally and in print.

To subscribe, send email address to District Office, mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org.

Feeding 1 Million People in 1 Year

Hello Mohawk District!

Brian Fellows here to give you an update on Hands4NY activities and reporting.

October 15 Event Day

October 15 is the Conference-Wide Event Day. Organize and participate in a hunger impact event, working with the community. Here are some suggestions:

· A food drive

· A gleaning at a local farm

· A campus kitchen feeding program

· The preparation of a community garden

· A “fill-a-backpack, feed-a-family” initiative

· The sponsoring of a crop walk

If your church doesn’t have any special event for the October 15 Event Day, join in the Mohawk District Event of Collecting Non-Perishable Food. Collect for a local food bank. If you don’t have a local pantry or such collect and take your collection to one of our regional sites: Boonville, Oneida St. Paul’s, New Hartford or Herkimer. We will find a home for your donation. This also might be a good time to collect for flood buckets or hygiene kits.

Please share your plans on the October 15 Event with the district office.

Utica Eastside Ministries will host a community dinner and food supply activity at the Eastside mission on Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations of food items, like dry beans, canned vegetables, canned fruits are needed and may be dropped off at Asbury UMC, 932 Rutger Street, this week, Tuesday – Friday, between 12-5:30pm.

Reporting

I have heard that some churches are experiencing difficulties reporting their information about their feeding activities. I hope this link helps

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHBLSkFsbGFnc3R5LXVHLUl3TndEYmc6MQ

Here is how I got there if that doesn’t work. Go to the conference website: unyumc.org then go to mission and ministry to find the reporting form. There are many things that your church is most likely already doing that will help us reach our goal. CROP walk counts!!!!! Please report it. If you have not reported anything yet, get a rough estimate and report it the first time you do any reporting. Remember we started this in July and it will run to July 2012.

Thanks,

Brian Fellows

Bishop calls for donations of funds, storm kits

In a letter to the members of the Upper New York Conference, Bishop Marcus Matthews appeals to support the relief effort in the wake of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. To read the letter visit the conference web site, www.unyumc.org.

Donations can be sent to UNY Conference Center, (324 University Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210) designating your gift to fund #4200 (Upper New York Conference Hurricane Recovery). Additional cash donations can be sent to UMCOR for wider area needs. Designate US Disaster Response #901670 on your check and send them through our Conference office. UMCOR contributions can also be made online.

Cleaning Buckets and Health Kits (formerly known as Flood Buckets) are also collected. Rev. Brian Fellows, Mohawk District coordinator of disaster response team has arranged the sites for collection as follows:

Central Location:

Rome First UMC, 400 N. George St. Rome 366-1740

Regional Locations:

Boonville, Physical Loc. 200 Main St. Boonville 942-2626

New Hartford, 105 Genesee Street, New Hartford, 733-4227

Oneida: St. Paul's UMC, 551 Sayles Street Oneida 363-1921

Herkimer UMC, 127 N. Prospect Street, Herkimer 866-1349

Eventually all buckets collected at the regional sites will be brought to Rome UMC. So it will be appreciated if you could bring buckets and kits to Rome First UMC.

Lists for Health Kits and Cleaning Buckets are attached.

From United Methodist Communications

Equitable Compensation Grants – Deadline is Saturday

The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and an application form for salary grants to local churches for 2012. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS OCT. 15, 2011. For information, visit the Conference website at: http://www.unyumc.org/news/detail/833

Equitable Compensation Application Process for 2012

The Commission will entertain a full year grant, where appropriate and recommended by the District Superintendent. Applications will be accepted up to and on October 15.

New - UTICA EASTSIDE MISSION

Regional Babycakes Competition Finals

Saturday, Oct.29, 2011, 11:30 a.m. – 2p.m.

Cornerstone Community Church, 500 Plant Street, Utica

Finalists from area Methodist church challenges will compete in the regional finals. Bakers will display the best of their best from Rome First United Methodist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, New Hartford First United Methodist Church, Asbury United Methodist Church, Sauquoit Valley United Methodist Church, and Utica Eastside Mission. People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards will be presented at the close of the event. Ten different cupcake samples and displays will be on hand for the public to sample and vote for the 2011 champions.

Tickets to sample all of the cupcakes and to vote are $3.00. Soup and Sandwich lunches will be available for $7.00 each. And take-home containers for mix and match cupcakes are $5.00 for 6 cupcakes.

Proceeds benefit the Utica Eastside Mission programs for urban children and families.

United Methodist Men giving away potatoes!

The Mohawk District UMM are giving away 50 lb. bags of potatoes donated by the St. Andrew’s Society. The purpose is to assist those in need in our communities. The potato drop takes place approximately 8 a.m., October 29^th, at West Schuyler United Methodist Church, 297 Wood Lane.

To participate either as a volunteer or receive potatoes, contact Mark Jones, 315-749-3700, msjwelshman@yahoo.com.

For those receiving, bring people to load and transport potatoes back to churches and food pantries to distribute to those in need. Make sure to talk to Mark about reserving your desired quantity of potatoes.

New - Youth News!

Dear Youth Coordinators and Leaders

Wow, how quickly the time flies! I can’t believe it’s October already. So, I want to share with you/ remind you of some upcoming Youth opportunities.

The Conference Council on Youth Ministries is busily planning 2 Fall Gatherings on the theme “God is HERE!” Dates and locations are:

Schenectady UMC, November 11 – 12 (one overnight at the church, unless you prefer hotel accommodations).

Rochester Riverside Raddison Hotel, November 18 – 19 (one overnight at the hotel).

Similar to UP!WORD (held each April), the Gatherings feature exciting worship led by youth, as well as fun and informative workshops. If you have any questions about how your youth group can get in on the fun, please contact me! Attached are registration forms for both events, with additional information. Hope to see you all at these great events!

Also coming up shortly (meaning after the first of the year) it will be time for youth to apply for the next Mission of Peace, and to join CCYM, DCYM, and to attend Annual Conference.

The Mission of Peace is a Northeast Jurisdictional trip held annually end of December – mid January. Youth chosen for the trip must submit a written application and go through the interview process. They are expected to raise the money for their trip (between $4,000 and $4,500 usually). They will travel with other youth and adults on a journey of “shalom” for a cultural exchange trip. For more information visit .

CCYM and DCYM are the Conference and District youth councils, respectively. Primarily, the Conference Council plans the Fall Gatherings and UP!WORD, and raises money for the Youth Service Fund (which is then allocated by the youth to worthy youth applicants who submit written requests for funding.)

Annual Conference is the annual business meeting of all the UM churches in our Upper NY Conference. We may have up to 6 youth equalization members who will have full voting rights and privileges. They room together as youth, with adult supervision. All equalization members attend Annual Conference at no charge. The 2012 Annual Conference will be held in Syracuse May 30 – June 1.

As always, questions can be directed to me, Sharon Rankins-Burd, Mohawk District Youth Coordinator, 822-3342 or sharonrb@localnet.com.

NOTE: TWO separate gatherings ALBANY AREA, Nov. 11-12; ROCHESTER AREA, Nov. 18-19

Upper New York Conference Fall Gathering - Albany

November 11-12, 2011

Where:

First UMC Schenectady

603 State Street

Schenectady, NY

The registration cost of $35 includes a piece of floor space at the church and all programming. All meals are on your own.

Registration Deadline - Postmarked November 1, 2011

Send registrations (must include payment) to:

Judy Hipes, 91 Park Street, Binghamton, NY 13905.

Make checks payable to: Upper New York Annual Conference

Any questions on the registration, please contact Judy Hipes at tandj3905@hotmail.com or 607-624-2145

Please complete the information on the registration form for ALL individuals attending.

______________________

Upper New York Conference Fall Gathering - Rochester

November 18-19, 2011

Radisson Riverside

120 East Main Street, Rochester

The registration cost includes your room and all programming. All meals are on your own.

Registration is based on room occupancy:

Single Room $140

Double or Triple Room $110/person

Quad or Quint Room $80/person

Registration Deadline - Postmarked November 8, 2011

Send registrations (must include payment) to:

Judy Hipes, 91 Park Street, Binghamton, NY 13905.

Make checks payable to: Upper New York Annual Conference

Any questions on the registration, please contact Judy Hipes at tandj3905@hotmail.com or 607-624-2145

Please complete the ALL information on the registration form for ALL individuals attending. Thanks.

New - Retirement and financial planning seminars set

A two-day Retirement and Financial Planning event has been set for Nov. 7-8 at the Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center. Speakers will include: Lynette Rice, an educator from the General Board of Pension & Health Benefits who is also a certified financial planner; Vicki Putney, the conference benefits officer; a representative from the Social Security Administration; and others.

http://www.unyumc.org/pages/detail/1662

2012 DATES FROM the BISHOP’s office

Please do not plan weddings or church functions for the following dates in 2012.

Please put these dates on your calendar today!

May 19^th – Clergy & Laity Session - time & location TBA

May 31-June 2 – Upper New York Annual Conference

May 18^th – Retirement Luncheon – time & location TBA

May 19^th – Pre-Conference Briefing 9:00 am-12:30pm – location TBA

May 19^th – Clergy & Laity Session - 12:30pm-5pm- location TBA

May 31-June 2 - Annual Conference

The 2012 Annual Conference Session will be shorter – Thursday to Saturday, May 31 to June 2, in Syracuse. The session will officially begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, and will include one full day of holy conferencing on Friday, June 1. The service for those being commissioned and ordained will be Saturday afternoon. Thursday’s events include the extension ministry luncheon and the ordination rehearsal.

Neighborhood Center Cruise Night

The Neighborhood Center, Inc., providing comprehensive Human Services in Central New York, is sponsoring their annual Cruise Night from 6 – 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18, at the Radisson Hotel Grand Ballroom on Genesee Street in Utica. Tickets are $30 and include hors d’oeuvres, dinner and many extras. Sponsorship opportunities also are available. If you would like to support the Neighborhood Center and enjoy a fun evening out, you can get tix at the District Office, call 315-797-1777, or email to: mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org.

New Info -Volunteers In Mission Team Leader Training

Training in Syracuse Area

There will be a Volunteers In Mission Team Leader Training 11/19/2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Immanuel United Methodist, 303 Kasson Rd., Camillus.

If you are interested in learning more about being a UMVIM team leader or hosting mission teams this training is designed for you. Team Leader Training is required for all first time United Methodist Volunteers In Mission team Leaders. All interested persons are welcome to attend whether leading a team or not. The facilitator is Sylvia Reimer. Register by 11/4. Find a form at: http://www.unyumc.org/console/files/oEvent_Calendar_EUXQLB/TLT_Training_11-19-2011_Brochure_JUI9WUFM.pdf

Training in Albany Area

With all the natural disasters happening around this area and the nation this year, there is a real need for people with training to take the lead and get teams to follow them to carry God's love to those in need, and give them a helping hand and a caring ear. If you are interested, a training session will be held on Saturday November 19 from 9:00 until 4:00, at First UMC, Schenectady, 603, State St. The cost is $15.00 for the training and manuals, and $10.00 for lunch provided by the church. Jay and Cathie Dunkleberger, and Pete and Jan Huston will be providing the training. Contact the Dunklebergers at jdunkleb@nycap.rr.com or 518-371-7071 to register for the training. This training is being provided primarily for prospective leaders in Adirondack, Albany, Oneonta, and Mohawk Districts.

Saturday November 19, 9 a.m. till 4 p.m.

First UMC Schenectady, 603 State St.

Cost $15.00 for manual $10.00 for lunch

New - Older adult ministries grant deadline extended

Local churches that are seeking to enhance or begin a ministry for older adults are invited to apply for a mini-grant through the Upper New York Conference Older Adult Ministries (UNYOAM) Team. The application deadline has been extended to Nov. 7.

http://www.unyumc.org/pages/detail/1662

CROP Hunger Walk October 23^rd

On Oct. 23, we impact hunger in our communities and our world. On this Make-A-Difference Day Weekend, we step out and show Central New York that we are living the gospel, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat….” We do this by asking for monetary pledges that directly benefit hunger and for people to walk in solidarity with those who walk each day to obtain food.

The Mohawk Valley CROP Walk will begin checking in walkers from 1-2 p.m. at the New Hartford Shopping Center, Genesee Street, New Hartford. This will be the time to turn in all pledge money. The Walk steps off at 2 p.m. from the Shopping Center parking lot. We will walk down Genesee Street to Our Lady of Lourdes Church and then back to the Shopping Center. There will be restroom and water stops provided along the route. There will be volunteer crossing guards. For those who do not wish to walk the whole route, simply make your own arrangements for transportation at your stopping point. A limited mobility route will be available at the Shopping Center. If you would like information about being a Walk Team organizer for your church or group, contact Milo Pennock, at 315-737-9273, milo-p@juno.com , or Cindy Muder, 315-732-5549, mudercindy@gmail.com.

The Rome Area CROP Walk also is registering walkers. To register, contact fpresbyt@twcny.rr.com.

This is your invitation to join us!

New - Katie Quick at Camden UMC

Nashville Recording Artist "KATIE QUICK" in Concert on Friday October 21, 2011 @ 7:00 P.M. in the Camden United Methodist Church, 132 Main St. Camden, N.Y. Sponsored by the KEYS program and The Camden Relay for life. No admission. Free will offering.

New – Chicken and Biscuit Dinner at Canastota

The United Church of Canastota, located at 144 Center St in Canastota, is hosting its annual chicken and biscuit dinner on Sat Oct 22^nd. What a great way to warm up on a crisp fall day! Service will begin at 4pm and menu includes chicken/biscuits, mashed potatoes, buttered beans, cranberry salad, homemade pies and drink. Donation is $8 adult, $3.50 youth and under 5 free. Why not make dinner easy with a home style cooked dinner! Take out is available and the church is handicap accessible. See you there!

North Western offers The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem, by Adam Hamilton

North Western United Methodist Church invites all people to join them for an Advent Bible Study, The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem, by Adam Hamilton. This study takes place Sundays beginning Nov. 26 and ending Dec. 24 from 10 – 11 a.m. at Northwestern UMC, 9552 State Route 46,
Westernville. Participants should purchase the book in advance and read chapter 1 prior to the first session.

Giving Thanks Through Music at Camden UMC

The Camden U.M.C. , Main Street Camden, New York, will once again host "Giving Thanks Through Music" on Sunday November 27, 2011. Last year the event featured the music involvement of thirteen different local churches/denominations. There was all types of music representation including: five traditional church choirs, Black Gospel, Southern Gospel, Country Gospel, Contemporary Christian music, and a combined Ecumenical Choir. A collection was taken which was also given to the local Food Bank.

Lassellsville UMC hosts Nancy Purcell – NEW TIME

The Lassellsville UMC invites all people to join in an hour of music and faith told through stories and songs with Nancy Purcell at 4 p.m., Oct. 23. The Lassellsville church is located on Route 29 in Lassellsville, NY.

Marriage Encounter/United Methodist Weekend right here in Central New York

Takes place November 11-13, 2011, at The Good News Center just north of Utica, from 7 p.m. Friday night to 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon. For more info. or to apply please contact Keith & Diane Sherwood, (315) 492-2372, or ksher1021@aol.com. You will be very happy you did. See also www.encounter.org on the web.

Please see the bulletin insert announcement (below) and share with your congregations.

Bulletin Announcement

A Marriage Encounter / United Methodist Weekend will be held on November 11-13, 2011 in the Utica area. Marriage Encounter is a special time apart from your jobs, family, and the stress of everyday life. It is a weekend especially designed for married couples to pause and focus on each other. For more information or to apply please contact Keith & Diane Sherwood (315) 492-2372. Website: www.encounter.org

Lay Speaking Courses

Mohawk District is offering several lay speaking courses in November. Cost is $20. There is a registration form attached to the e-mail or find it online at:

At Lairdsville UMC

Basic and Advance Course, Nov. 7, 14, 21, from 6 – 9:30 p.m.

Basic Leader is Rev. Marsha Madore

Advanced: Dimensions in Prayer: Cultivating a Relationship with God, Steere

Leader is Vita Hale

Registration forms and payment to course registrar: Charlotte Hughes, busycrafter2@yahoo.com, PO Box 204, Clark Mills, NY, 13321.

At Maynard

Basic Lay Speaking Nov. 11, 6-9:30 p.m.; Nov. 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Leader is Kathy Warren

Registration information TBA

Conference Communications Team offers training opportunities

Do you want to promote your church or church events in the community? Is social media a bit of a mystery? Would you like to improve your church’s website?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes or you’d just like to learn more about how to better communicate – internally and externally – we, the Upper New York Annual Conference Communications Team, invite you to attend one of five training sessions we have planned around the conference area.

The free workshops, which take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following Saturdays, are designed to help local churches communicate with the news media, church members or the community using both new and traditional media.

The sessions are as follows: Please note there is a slight change in two of the sessions

Remaining session - Oct. 22 – Saratoga Springs

Wi-Fi is available at each site and lunch will be provided. The sessions are free, but registration is appreciated.

To sign up or to learn more, call Karen Campolieto at (315) 424-7878 ext. 304.

End of this week’s news